§ 14. Mr. Sydney Irvingasked the Minister of Education if he is now in a position to redefine the aims of the Youth Service and the sphere of its future activities.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydYes, Sir. I regard the Youth Service as a permanent part of the education service, concerned with the leisure time activities of young people, especially those who are no longer at school. I regret that I cannot make more money available for it now, but I am convinced of its value and of the importance of the work done by those engaged in it. I intend to encourage and foster their efforts as much as I can.
§ Mr. IrvingIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very severe neglect, with some of which he has been charged, of the Youth Service in the past and which has led to the loss of some of its very best personnel? As there will be between one-third and one-half more children between the ages of 15 and 20 in the next five years and as it is already difficult to place school-leavers, is there not need for an extended service with more guidance?
§ Mr. LloydThe misunderstandings which have arisen in the relatively recent past have been because the Ministry, not having more money available to give to the Youth Service in accordance with the normal procedure, has felt that it ought not to encourage it too much. On the other hand, I frankly told a deputation from King George's Jubilee Trust recently that I could not at present make more money available but that I would do everything else I could to help the service. I also made it clear that we regarded the service as important although we could not at present spend more money on it.
§ Mr. M. StewartWill the right hon. Gentleman elaborate what he meant by doing everything else he can to help to service?
§ Mr. LloydThe deputation attached importance to a statement by me on behalf of the Government of the value that the Government attach to the Youth Service. This afternoon I have taken advantage of this Question to do that, and it will be appreciated in certain quarters in the service.